King County Elections mails ballots for Nov. 7 general election

King County Elections mailed ballots on Wednesday to nearly 1.3 million registered voters for the Nov. 7 general election. The department estimates a 48 percent voter turnout rate.

“More than half of registered voters won’t show up for this election. That needs to change,” said Julie Wise, Director of King County Elections, in a news release. “This year and every year, help make those important decisions that impact your community. Vote.”

Kent voters will elect a new mayor as well as vote on City Council positions and Kent School Board seats.

Ballots can be returned through the US Postal Service, which requires a first class stamp, or they may be returned to any of the 54 ballot drop boxes open for this election. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 7 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

King County voters also will begin receiving their voters’ pamphlet in the mail this week. Voters will receive two voters’ pamphlets, a local one from King County and a state one from the Office of the Secretary of State. Voters’ pamphlets are available online, at Seattle and King County libraries, and at the King County Elections office in Renton.

King County citizens not registered to vote in Washington can register in person through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30 at the King County Elections office in Renton or at the Voter Registration Annex downtown.

Voters who don’t receive a ballot by Oct. 23 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).